The role of knowledge sharing in the performance of inter-organizational cooperation of Social Solidarity Economy Organizations: Case of the groups in the Souss Massa region

Abstract

Inter-organizational cooperation is a topical phenomenon that arouses the interest of organizations seeking to achieve performance. However, knowledge sharing is a very significant variable in the success of inter-organizational cooperation, especially when it comes to Social and Solidarity Economy Organizations (SSEOs). In Morocco, we are witnessing the creation of several forms of inter-organizational cooperation of SSEOs, through groups, unions, networks and federations. The objective of this article is to show how knowledge sharing promotes the inter-organizational cooperation of these organizations? And to what extent does this cooperation influence their performance? We show that the main purpose of this inter-organizational cooperation is to share knowledge capable of enhancing their complementarity, while maintaining their autonomy and social values. Thus, we propose a conceptual model of the positive influence of knowledge sharing and its contribution to the success of inter-organizational cooperation of SSEOs. In order to build this model, we mobilize the theory of resources through its Resource Based View (RBV) branch, which focuses on resources, experiences and the sharing of routines and good practices between cooperators. The empirical verification will be done by studying 132 inter-organizational cooperation groups of SSEOs in the Souss Massa region, based on an exhaustive quantitative approach. The empirical results show that the inter-organizational cooperation of SSEOs is built on relationships based on trust and written commitment while confirming the favorable role of knowledge sharing in the success of this cooperation.

JEL classification: D7

Paper Type: Empircal Research